Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Imagine a creamy, flavorful dish that brings the taste of the Wild West right to your dinner table. Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will have you savoring every bite. This dish combines tender chicken, rich butter, and perfectly cooked linguine, creating a delightful harmony of flavors that will please your taste buds.
A Personal Story Behind My Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table to share stories and enjoy hearty meals. One of my fondest memories comes from a family BBQ where we tried a cowboy butter sauce for the first time. The creamy richness and slight spice captured our hearts and inspired me to create a pasta dish that would bring those flavors back into my home. Every time I make this Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta, I am reminded of those joyful family moments.
What Makes This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is its unique cowboy butter sauce, which is a delightful blend of buttery goodness, garlic, and a hint of spice. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also customizable. You can adjust the spice level according to your preference, making it suitable for everyone at the table. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a comforting meal that feels gourmet.
The Full Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) cowboy butter, divided
- ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Tip: Make sure to add enough salt to the water; it should taste like the sea!
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Season the chicken with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
- Add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to the skillet. Flip the chicken and cook until browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 3-4 minutes more.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Scrape up the brown bits in the pan and stir until the butter melts. Tip: This will enhance the flavor of your sauce!
- Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
- Stir in the lemon juice for a fresh twist.
- Serve the dish garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley. Tip: A sprinkle of extra crushed red pepper can add a bit more heat for those who like it spicy.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
This Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for dipping. You can also add seasonal vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to the pasta for added nutrition and color. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider swapping out the chicken for shrimp or even grilled steak for a different protein option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat before serving and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This dish stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
How can I make this recipe healthier? To make it lighter, use whole grain pasta and reduce the amount of butter and cream. You can also add more vegetables for fiber and nutrients.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Feel free to substitute linguine with your favorite pasta shape, such as penne or fettuccine.
What can I serve with this dish? Pair this pasta with a simple mixed green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per Serving: 480
Servings: 4
Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 0.25 cup cowboy butter, divided
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon lemon juice
- slices lemon, for garnish
- cup chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Season the chicken with paprika, garlic salt, kosher salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side.
- Add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to the skillet. Flip the chicken and cook until browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 3-4 minutes more.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Scrape up the brown bits in the pan and stir until the butter melts.
- Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
- Stir in the lemon juice.
- Serve the dish garnished with lemon slices and chopped parsley.